Is Ryan Nassib An Option For The Kansas City Chiefs?

There have been some rumblings that former Syracuse Orange quarterback Ryan Nassib may now be a first round draft pick. According to Peter Kingof Sports Illustrated (via fannation.com), Nassib has been moving up draft boards the past few weeks.

Feb 24, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Syracuse Orangemen quarterback Ryan Nassib participates in a passing drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Nassib’s college coach, Doug Marrone, is now the head coach for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills, who just signed former Philadelphia Eagle, former Arizona Cardinal, quarterback Kevin Kolb to a 2-year, $13 million (max) deal, are showing interest in Marrone’s protege. Much would have to happen but if the Bills, and everyone else, passed on Nassib in the 1st round, and the Chiefs make a trade that grants them a second round pick, would Nassib be a viable option as a pick for the Chiefs?

According to Eric Galko from optimumscouting.com, Nassib has plenty of potential.

"Once he develops chemistry and timing within the offense, Nassib can quickly become a capable NFL starter, with the football IQ, short-area athleticism, footwork, and steady college improvement to develop into a Pro Bowl level passer.His composure, consistency, and decisiveness throughout his game is what makes him a 1st round talent as a quarterback, and though he’s not as either physically gifted or completely polished as Top 10 valued quarterbacks are, he certainly could reach that level in an ideal offensive fit early and time to progress as a passer in the NFL."

Galko also pointed out that Nassib is not an athletic runner and his success comes from great timing. He doesn’t throw hard enough to make up for slow decisions, so his timing must be impeccable. Considering the athleticism on the defensive side of the ball in the NFL, this could be an issue for Nassib.

Cory J. Bonini from kffl.com had these comments in his scouting report:

"Experienced three-year starterAbove-average arm strength – adequate for all of the NFL throws that will be asked of himSound mechanicsIntelligent player with the understanding of defensive coverages – generally goes throw his progressionsDisplays the ability to look off the safetyStrong play-action passerTends to force too many passesStruggles to maintain poise under pressure – leads to sloppy footwork and turnoversNeeds to involve more of a touch throw in his passing arsenal"

He also notes that Nassib may very well be drafted in the first round, but grades out as a second rounder. His overall analysis would lead to the belief that he could eventually be a classic pocket passer.

Dane Brugler from CBS Sports offered similar analysis:

"Nassib has good-enough arm strength to make throws at all levels of the field with the mechanics and beautiful ball fakes that scouts love to see. Nassib tends to make poor reads under pressure and force throws, but is a smart player and does a nice job using his eyes to hold defenders and work through his progressions. He isn’t a statue in the pocket and is very accurate throwing on the run, flashing impressive toughness for the position. Nassib is a gamer with a live arm and the potential to rise up draft boards with a consistent senior year, ranking as one of the more underrated players for the 2013 NFL Draft."

The scouting gurus all seem to agree that Nassib needs some time to develop but has the skills to be an above average signal caller in the future. The Bills signing Kolb to just a 2-year deal seems like Buffalo may indeed have their sights set on drafting the former Syracuse quarterback. There appears to be very little chance Nassib will still be on the board when the Chiefs select in the 3rd round with the 63rd overall pick. Kansas City has too many needs on their roster to take a quarterback with that pick unless they are able to accumulate more picks via trades, either of discontented Brandon Albert or the 1st overall pick.

Nassib would be a very good fit for the Chiefs as a young player who could develop behind an established starter like Alex Smith for a few seasons. If the Chiefs can acquire some more picks, one of which being early in the 2nd round, they could probably do worse than Ryan Nassib. As things stand now, there is no chance the Chiefs will be a shot at him. Some think the Chiefs should not really look to draft any quarterbacks this season from this weak class but if the right guy is available in the right place, the Chiefs must consider selecting him. Nassib might be the right fit but it is highly unlikely Kansas City will get the chance to take him.